Jean Perrault
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Hometown: Sherbrooke Quebec Jean Perrault has had a distinguished career in the sport of water skiing, claiming many national titles and 8 Canadian records in the tricking event. He would soon move onward from his athlete status to assuming executive roles in the sport, and then establishing a successful career in politics. As a member of the National Team, Jean traveled all over the world to compete at World Championships in 1963 (France), 1965 (Australia), 1967 (Sherbrooke) and 1969 (Denmark). From there, he extended his extensive knowledge and skill of water skiing to coaching a variety of teams, including the National Team at the World Water Ski Championships in 1971 (Spain) and 1973 (Columbia). From 1970 to 1972, Jean was the coach of Quebec’s Provincial Team, and in 1972 he traveled to the World Cup in Tahiti as a team coach for the Americas. 1968 marked a new endeavour in Jean’s career. He created a municipal water ski school in Sherbrooke, which still exists today and is one of the oldest municipal water ski schools in the world. He served as the director of the school for 7 years and then continued as President. During this time, Jean organized La Fête du Lac des Nations which helped the school to raise funds in order to purchase new towboats. La Fête continues to be a popular annual event. He also became the Athletic Director of the University of Sherbrooke from 1969 to 1994. His desire to build and expand sporting facilities didn’t stop with water skiing. He was directly involved in having Sherbrooke host the 2003 World Junior Track and Field Championships. To facilitate this event, a 10 million dollar stadium was built at the University. Jean’s experience enabled him to become a welcome executive member of the Quebec Water Ski Federation, where he served as President for 2 years and Director for 4 years. He also became President of Water Ski Canada, and then Secretary General of Group 1 of the International Water Ski Federation along with being a member on their executive board. With many outstanding achievements to his credit, Jean was elected to the Municipal Council of Sherbrooke in 1982. Twelve years later, he became the city’s mayor. Today, he continues as the Mayor of Sherbrooke and is a tireless supporter of water skiing. Surrounding the lake in the middle of the city, Jean has created a formal walking trail which includes Place des Nations where the flags of all the countries who competed in the 1967 World Water Ski Championships and a permanent photograph of the 1967 Canadian Team are displayed. Jean Perrault is an ambassador of water skiing in Canada. He represents influence, passion, and achievement at the highest level of the sport. His leadership is felt throughout Sherbrooke, and the water skiing community. |
